8th Grade
English
This course builds upon the skills taught in seventh grade English by utilizing the same components of spelling and vocabulary, grammar and composition, and reading comprehension and literary appreciation.Students continue their study of Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, and roots in order to determine the meaning of new words.Spelling is based on vocabulary lessons and is included as part of the writing process.The formal study of grammar using the Analytical Grammar curriculum continues with a review of all grammar concepts and a focus on punctuation rules.The second year of the Institute for Excellent in Writing’s composition curriculum provides for many opportunities to expand writing skills both in structure and style.In addition to poetry, short stories and other writings, students study different genres by reading four novels during the course:War of the World by H.G. Wells, Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, and a fiction or nonfiction historical book for a combined English and history project
.
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra lays the groundwork for all upper-level mathematics.It is the bridge between concrete and abstract mathematics.The primary focus of this course is to expose students to the formal notation of abstract mathematics and step by step processing.Problem solving is heavily integrated throughout the entire course in order to connect abstract mathematics to concrete situations.It is desired that students become fluent in basic computations and develop a solid comprehension of the numbering system, geometric shapes, calculating lengths, areas, and volumes, beginning algebra terminology, data analysis tools and probability techniques, and mathematical reasoning.This course is the key to a successful experience in upper-level mathematics.
Or
Algebra I
Students will develop skills in manipulating algebraic expressions and equations and in translating verbal phrases and sentences into algebraic expressions and equations.Students will learn the concepts of slope and rates of change, properties of exponents and the techniques of manipulating expressions with exponents, and how to solve systems of equations.Students will also learn to solve and graph linear, quadratic, and absolute value equations and inequalities.A major goal of this course is for students to gain expertise in using algebraic models to solve real-life situations.
American Republic
In middle school, a history course is truly social studies.The lessons are less about names and dates and more about culture, geography and events.Because the curriculum used for this course is a textbook by a Christian publisher, the role of God throughout American history and relationships between God and peoples of this region are explored.Students in this course study examples of people and nations who either followed or failed God’s standard and His resulting blessing or judgment.The textbook divides the history of the United States into seven eras, and through each time period students take an in depth look at God’s providence, human activity, foreign relations and the growth of God’s church.Woven throughout this historical tapestry are the past consequences of decisions, both good and bad, which testify that Biblical principals are true and that God oversees the course of history.
Science
Using a Christian worldview, students explore a variety of scientific themes at a basic level in order to prepare them to be successful students at the high school level.Throughout the year we study a variety of science topics including (but not limited to) forces in action, energy at work, the Earth’s materials and resources, molecules and cells.The material is covered through the use of cooperative learning/small group activities, lecture, note taking, demonstrations
Bible
Bible 8, a Study of Paul’s Life and His Epistles, is a one year required class.This class is designed to give students general knowledge of how the Gospel spread throughout the
